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Department of Social Services’ management of the National Redress Scheme
Open for contribution
Due to table: August, 2025
Portfolio
Social Services
Entity
Department of Social Services
Contact
Please direct enquiries through our contact page.
Activity
Service delivery
Sector
Social Services
The objective of this audit is to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department of Social Services’ (the department) administration of the National Redress Scheme (the Scheme).
Audit criteria
The ANAO proposes to examine:
- Has the department established effective governance arrangements for the Scheme?
- Does the department have effective processes to administer the Scheme?
- Has the department established appropriate arrangements to monitor and report on the Scheme?
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Contribute to this audit
The ANAO welcomes members of the public contributing information for consideration when conducting performance audits. Performance audits involve the independent and objective assessment of the administration of an entity or body’s programs, policies, projects or activities. They also examine how well administrative support systems operate.
The ANAO does not have a role in commenting on the merits of government policy but focuses on assessing the efficient and effective implementation of government programs, including the achievement of their intended benefits.
The audit you have selected is currently collecting audit evidence and is seeking input from members of the public. We particularly value information that deals with significant matters or insights into the administration of the subject of this audit. Information can be submitted either by uploading a file, or by entering your information into the comments box below.
While your contribution will be considered, and handled with care, you will not automatically receive feedback about your contribution. However, if you provide your contact details, you may be contacted regarding your contribution.
Please note that contributions are intermittently monitored. You will receive an email acknowledgement of your contribution if you provide a valid email address.
The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) welcomes members of the public contributing information for consideration when conducting performance audits. Performance audits involve the independent and objective assessment of the administration of an entity or body’s programs, policies, projects or activities. They also examine how well administrative support systems operate.
The ANAO does not have a role in commenting on the merits of government policy but focuses on assessing the efficient and effective implementation of government programs, including the achievement of their intended benefits.
The ANAO is conducting a performance audit into the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department of Social Services’ (DSS) administration of the National Redress Scheme (the Scheme). The Scheme was set up for people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse.
The ANAO is currently collecting audit evidence and is seeking input from members of the public.
Questions
If you would like to contribute, please address the questions below. Contributions outside these three areas may not be considered by ANAO.
- Did you have sufficient and appropriate information about the Scheme?
- If yes, please describe what information was the most useful.
- If no, please describe what information was missing.
- What was your experience or understanding of the administration of the application process?
- What was your experience or understanding of the review or complaint process for the Scheme?
Your contribution to the audit does not form part of, nor have any bearing on, any individual case, matter or complaint. ANAO is not requesting any personal or case specific information.
How to submit
Responses to the specified questions above can be submitted either by:
- email to national.redress.scheme.audit@anao.gov.au; or
- by posting a written submission to:
National Redress Scheme Audit Team
Australian National Audit Office
GPO Box 707
Canberra ACT 2601
AUSTRALIA
Contributions will be open until 25 May 2025. Any contributions received by ANAO after that date will not be considered.
ANAO’s approach to handling contributions for this audit
All contributions received will be considered and handled with care by the audit team. No personal information will be included in an audit report.
The ANAO’s purpose is to support accountability and transparency in the Australian Government sector through independent reporting to Parliament. All audits are conducted independently.
Contributions can be provided anonymously. No identifying details are required to make a contribution. If you do not wish to make an email contribution then you can post a written submission using the address above.
If a contribution is sent by email then contributors will receive an automatic acknowledgement of receipt of contribution.
The ANAO understands that discussion about the Scheme may be distressing. There are many services and support groups available to assist. Some options for advice and support are listed below:
- Lifeline: Phone: 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service: Phone: 1300 659 467
- 13YARN: Phone: 139 276
- Full Stop Australia: Phone: 1800 385 578
- Blue Knot Foundation Helpline: Phone: 1300 657 380
We anticipate accepting contributions to this audit until Sunday 25 May 2025.
Work program portfolio
This in-progress Performance audit is featured in 1 annual audit work program portfolio: